Ebbsfleet United

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Cronin thwarts Harriers

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Kidderminster 2-2 Ebbsfleet

Kidderminster Harriers' quest for a play-off place suffered a setback as they were held at home to a 2-2 draw by Ebbsfleet.

The Harriers remain unbeaten this year under Steve Burr but could not find a winner past the excellent Lance Cronin in the Fleet goal.

It was Burr's side who drew first blood. After only five minutes influential Brian Smikle chipped a neat cross for Darryl Knights to nod home the opener. Six minutes later Harriers had a chance for a second, Robbie Matthews released one on one with the Fleet keeper only to be denied by Cronin.

The visitors then suffered a major setback on 18 minutes when top scorer Magno Vieira limped off with what appeared to be a tweaked hamstring, replaced by Scott Ginty.

On the half-hour mark Kidderminster had a decent penalty claim turned away after Matthews was brought down in the area. Despite the home side's dominance and attacking threat, it was Ebbsfleet who drew level. Moses Ashikodi volleyed home acrobatically to collect his fourth goal in four outings.

The second half saw the home side creating the majority of chances with Cronin thwarting a number of Harriers' attacks. And Fleet were to take the lead on 68 minutes against the run of play with substitute Scott Ginty beating Ross Atkins from 20-yards out. The lead was short-lived as Harriers finally made their dominance count, Brian Smikle once again involved to make it 2-2.

The final 15-minutes saw frantic defending from Ebbsfleet as the home side pushed for the win, Cronin making a number of vital saves while Stefan Bailey cleared off the line in injury time.

Kidderminster bookings: Boyes.

Ebbsfleet United bookings: Pooley, Cronin.

Att: 1,163.

Ref: Andy Madley (West Yorkshire).